‘NPA rebels benefiting from gov’t food program’

MANILA, Philippines - New People’s Army (NPA) rebels and their families are reportedly queuing up for food and clothing in government-run relief centers in Compostela Valley.

An Army field officer based in the province said the NPAs are benefiting from the government’s food distribution program.

“We know them, but in the spirit of Christmas and in observance of the truce, our troops do not discriminate in the ongoing relief operations,” he said.

Compostela Valley is among several provinces in Mindanao where troops are deployed to go after communist rebels.

Maj. Gen. Ariel Bernardo, Army 10th Infantry Division commander based in Mawab, Compostela Valley, said soldiers deployed in disaster and relief operations do not discriminate in distributing food, clothing and other non-food donations to evacuees.

An Army junior officer said typhoon “Pablo” wreaked havoc in most, if not all, of the NPA strongholds in Compostela Valley.